Atlantic Pilot Atlas

The first impression of this atlas is that it a serious resource for serious sailors with the size of Chart table to match. The large size, 43cmX30cm is necessary to give the required perspective for the Atlantic charts.

Most of the attention goes on the North Atlantic. On one side of each page there is a detailed pilot chart of the Atlantic for each month of the year, giving such details as currents, prevailing winds, percentage chance of storms or calms for each 5deg. square on the map, a contour showing the ice cap and another showing the range of icebergs. In the summer months the likely track of tropical storms.

On the opposite page a commentary on the N. Atlantic weather for that month, and more detailed account of regional weather for different parts of the N. Atlantic. There are whole pages devoted to revolving tropical storms. The section on the Caribbean gives a more detailed chart of the same data. And the section on the South Atlantic is similar but covered by season (3 months).

Unfortunately the Mediterranean section seems tacked on at the end.  Covered in 3 pages with 4, monthly charts on each page the information is not sufficiently detailed to be useful and is better covered by the very many pilot books covering the Mediterranean. Similarly the charming page on sea mammals is hardly sufficiently detailed to be useful.

Despite its technical purpose, it is a book of great beauty. Anyone who is fascinated by charts or maps will have much pleasure pouring over each chart in detail. This is why it would gladden the heart of any cruising sailor to receive it as a present. But you would need to find a large stocking to put it in.